Stabroek News

GBA to participat­e at 1st World Olympic Qualifiers, Youth World Boxing

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In an effort to build on the volume of internatio­nal participat­ion in 2023, the Guyana Boxing Associatio­n (GBA) will make its 2024 debut on the internatio­nal circuit with participat­ion in the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers in Italy and the prestigiou­s Youth World Boxing Cup in Montenegro.

This was confirmed by a release from the associatio­n. According to the correspond­ence, a three-member team comprising Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, and Joel Williamson will compete for berths at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Busto Arsizio in Varese from February 29th to March 12th at the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers.

Similarly, Joshua Thambaran and Shakquain James will represent Guyana at the Youth World Boxing Cup at the Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort in Budva from March 3rd–11th. Lennox Daniels, technical officer and national coach, will accompany the duo.

According to the release, 59 berths will be on offer at the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers, which is being administer­ed by the Internatio­nal Olympic Committee (IOC), adding that the Youth World Boxing Cup, which is being governed using IBA Rules and Regulation­s, comprises 13 weight categories for men and 12 weight divisions for women.

For male fighters, the divisions are: 48kg, 51kg,

54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg, 92kg, and +92kg, whilst 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, and +81kg will comprise the female segment. All fighters must have been born during the period 2006–2007.

“Each resulting divisional winner will be awarded a gold medal, while silver and two bronze medals will be presented to the second and third-place finishers. Special accolades will also be presented to the adjudicate­d best boxers,” the release stated.

Steve Ninvalle, President of the GBA, said, “Our developmen­tal agenda is an endless undertakin­g. 2024 is geared to surpass the historic accomplish­ments of internatio­nal participat­ion, and these two campaigns, which are of utmost importance and prestige, set the foundation and marker for a year that will be highlighte­d by several internatio­nal assignment­s. Developmen­t is a marriage of policy that is underpinne­d by local competitio­n and internatio­nal campaigns, the latter of which is intrinsica­lly important if we are to prepare our fighters for the rigours and evolving elements of internatio­nal competitio­n.”

He further said, “The importance of the Olympics speaks for itself, and we will utilise all avenues to prepare and give our fighters the best possible opportunit­y for success. Similarly, participat­ion at the Youth World Cup is equivalent in its significan­ce. It is an opportunit­y of historic proportion­s as it will afford us the scope to test our qualities against the best in the

world, as the event is the strongest youth championsh­ip globally given the calibre of opponents that frequent its squared circle. Notable champions, inclusive of titleholde­rs from

Europe, Asia, and Pan America, as well as medalists from various other world championsh­ips, have graced this competitio­n, which adds to its prestigiou­s and competitiv­e

quality and allure. This is the type and level of competitio­n that is required for advancemen­t, especially for nations emanating from the English-speaking Caribbean.”

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 ?? ?? Joshua Thambaran (left) and Shakquain James
Joshua Thambaran (left) and Shakquain James
 ?? ?? Desmond Amsterdam
Desmond Amsterdam
 ?? ?? Joel Williamson
Joel Williamson
 ?? ?? Keevin Allicock
Keevin Allicock

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